One of the reasons the QN90A is a bit more unstable this year is because it’s a bit thinner. Compared to last year, Samsung shaved about half an inch from the depth from the TV which has meant making some compromises on sound quality and stability. That’s not a bad thing if you plan on connecting the TV to an external sound system – like one of Samsung’s Dolby Atmos soundbars – and wall-mounting the TV, but it’s all worth noting. Subtitle and audio description information spoken on the electronic programme guide more info panel It wouldn’t be a smart TV without a dollop of digital assistants: Alexa, Google and Bixby are accounted for. Given the gaming focus, this 43-inch model has the Super UltraWide Game View that stretches the image to 21:9 and 32:9 ratios, useful for PC warriors who want a wider perspective. With a 20W system at its disposal there’s little in the way of sonic fireworks. Dialogue is clear and crisp, but bass is limited; the dynamic range sees more fizzle than sizzle, and pushing the volume up doesn’t add much scale. For daytime TV it’s perfectly cromulent, though for gaming (or anything else that requires oomph), a pair of Bluetooth headphones or a compact soundbar would be better. The other issue with the Samsung QN90A’s design is that it only comes with one full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 port. That could be a slight problem down the road, but the good news is that, for now, all four ports can handle both the PS5 and Xbox Series X at 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. Despite all four ports working well for the consoles, port 3 is the only port to support eARC, so you’ll want to use that for a soundbar.

2023 43 Inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV QN90C | Samsung UK

Speaking of fingertips, Samsung supplies two remotes with the QE43QN90A: a standard model and less cluttered version that can be charged by USB-C or through its eco-minded solar panel that soaks up ambient light. Features The Samsung QE43QN90A is easily one of the most tempting offers out there at its size. As the only real competition to the OLED panels, which start from 5 inches larger, and with no real compromise between the quality of this and the larger QN90A sets, it’s a fantastic way to get the premium TV you want, without sacrificing wall space or rearranging furniture.

Thinner, brighter and bolder… but it comes with a few caveats

That said, the capability to produce brighter, more color-saturated images is one thing – but knowing when and where to employ that technology is a whole different matter. That’s where the Neo Quantum Processor 4K takes over. Using 16 neural networks, the Neo Quantum Processor 4K analyzes images on a frame-by-frame basis, upscaling the image if it’s coming from a sub-4K resolution using an image database and boosting contrast and color saturation. If you’re at all familiar with Samsung’s QLED screens, you’ll know that their main bragging rights are down to how vivid and impressive the colours can be. There is absolutely no change here – just the addition of more realism and detail that the Neo LED array brings. With a greater control over more precise areas of the screen, skin tones are more realistic, colour gradients like in fading sunsets retain all of their brilliance, but with less loss of accuracy or ‘washing’ out the image.

Samsung QE43QN90A (2021) Neo QLED HDR 1500 4K Ultra HD Smart

Subtitles and audio description information displayed on electronic programme guide more info panel Percentage luminance drop at 20 degree vertical angle from the centre of the screen with 50% white output Max light output HDR (high dynamic range) while displaying small white square taking up 60% of the screen (measured in Nits) Some songs sounded better than others, admittedly, and the Spotify app could get significantly louder than most shows, but the Samsung QN90A didn’t have a large soundstage or convincing holography. That’s severely disappointing as one of the highly touted new features of the Neo Quantum Processor 4K is AI Sound that promises a 3D audio-like experience. How much color and contrast can be tweaked by any one of the five picture setting modes. Standard tones down colors and brightness for a more natural picture that will look good in most living rooms, while Dynamic mode is a good fit for rooms with an abundance of natural light. Movie mode adds an almost sepia-like tone to the content, while Film Maker mode turns off motion processing completely for a more cinematic experience. All the modes have their pros and cons, but we found each to be enjoyable in their own way.

Out of Bundle Charges

But speaking of motion processing, it’s worth talking about the new Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ technology that’s used by the Neo Quantum Processor 4K. It’s slightly more judicious in the way it uses judder reduction, but stutter is still an issue because of the way the TV’s native 120Hz refresh rate. Basically, the TV can overprocess some images, giving films a soap opera effect or, worse, making some scenes that have a bit of a natural shaky cam effect look like something from the Blair Witch Project or Cloverfield – it’s non-stop shaking that can really be a turn off. Max light output HDR (high dynamic range) while displaying small white square taking up 10% of the screen (measured in Nits) While there’s no Freeview Play for UK customers, all the catch-up apps are present individually. And Samsung’s Freeview alternative is in the form of its subscription-free TV Plus service with the likes of Vevo, Comedy Hub and Baywatch (yes, a channel devoted to Baywatch re-runs) available to peruse. Have you spent the last few years pining after the latest and greatest of TV tech, only to be left deflated when you found you just couldn’t quite fit the flagship model in your space? You’re not alone. Samsung have recently made the ground-breaking decision to cram their QN90 Neo QLED tech into a 43” frame – it’s almost alcove friendly. We take a look at the Samsung QE43QN90A.